Cadets host online forum to support Safer Internet Day
5th February 2016
Northumbria Police’s volunteer police cadets will be hosting an online forum next Tuesday to support Safer Internet Day.
Tuesday February 9 is Safer Internet Day which aims to promote safer and more responsible use of online technology and mobile phones, especially amongst children and young people.
And, to help cadets from South Tyneside will host a forum between 5pm and 7pm where they will answer any questions around online safety and steps people can take to help prevent themselves from becoming a victim of cyber crime.
T/Superintendent Sarah Pitt said: “The internet has become an invaluable resource for people of all ages. However, the it is also open to abuse because sometimes there is little accountability and regulation. Therefore, it is important that we are aware of the potential dangers so we can all use the internet safely and responsibly.
“Events such as Safer Internet Day provide education about the internet for parents and grandparents, and at the same time, help them to ensure that their children use it safely.
“Parents should talk to their children about their use of the internet, and there are also IT solutions available which enable parents to monitor what their children are doing online. If parents are worried in any way, they should contact police.
“I would encourage people to get involved with the forum, in particular young people. It is a great opportunity for them to share information or issues around online safety with people their own age.
” It may be they want to raise something they don’t feel comfortable discussing with an adult and this will give them the opportunity to speak to people their own age.
“The online forum is a great opportunity for young people to get involved in and share information or issues around online safety with people their own age
“The internet is an important tool and very much a part of everyday life with social networking a popular way for young people to communicate.
“We want to help make sure young people stay safe online and are aware of the risks and what they can do to keep themselves safe.
“I would encourage any youngsters who are concerned about online safety or would like to share something to join the forum. It may be they want to raise something they don’t feel comfortable discussing with an adult and this will give them the opportunity to speak to people their own age.”
Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, Vera Baird, said: “It’s vital that we get key messages about online safety out there to people at a young age and young people are more likely to listen and engage with people of a similar age. That’s why initiatives like this can have a really positive impact. On behalf of Northumbria Police I would like to thank our cadets for playing such a key role and helping us raise awareness of the dangers and how to avoid them as part of Safer Internet Day.”
Use the below link to join the meeting.
Northumbria Police offers the following advice for parents on how to make sure their child remains safe when using the internet.
Make sure your child knows that to stay safe they should remember:
Everyone they meet online is a stranger, even though they might seem like a friend. They should always tell you if they make contact with, or if they are contacted by, anyone on the internet.
Always use a nickname when logging on, never give out personal details like their full name, home or school address, telephone number, personal email or mobile number. This information could let someone they meet online contact them
Accepting emails or opening files from people they don’t really know, can get them into trouble as they can contain nasty viruses, nasty messages or links to stuff they don’t want to see
Tell your child to talk to you or another trusted adult they know well and ask for help if they’re worried or upset about anything they’ve seen or been sent online.
Further information can also be found on our Ebeat site – www.ebeat.org.uk
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